Diseases increase and vary significantly during the seasons, especially respiratory diseases that affect children, which causes great anxiety for mothers. Feeling anxious and fearful when a child coughs or suffers from shortness of breath, and the persistence of these symptoms, makes mothers tense about these diseases and the complications they may cause. In our article today from Dalili Medical, we will review the most common of these diseases and how to diagnose them.

When is a child's breathing abnormal?

 

If an infant or child does not respond when breathing abnormally occurs, such as taking irregular or noisy breaths, or if they stop breathing completely, this may indicate a cardiac arrest. In the case of cardiac arrest, the child's heart stops beating and cannot pump blood throughout the body.

When is shortness of breath dangerous in children?

 

If you notice that your child is not getting enough air to his lungs (shortness of breath) or is having difficulty breathing, this may be a sign of a medical problem that requires treatment. If your child is able to talk, he can tell you if he is having difficulty breathing. If your child is young, you may notice that he or she is breathing with difficulty, or at a faster rate than usual, or seems uncomfortable or irritable.

When does a child need breathing sessions?

 

Breathing sessions are used to treat wheezing and shortness of breath resulting from respiratory problems, such as asthma. When performing a Farcolin session for children, it is important to adhere to the following instructions: The dose and amount prescribed by the doctor must be followed, as children aged 18 months to 12 years are given a dose not exceeding 0.5-1 ml.

How can I make sure that my child's breathing is healthy?

 

The normal respiratory rate for newborns ranges from 40-65 breaths per minute. This rate usually decreases during sleep to 30-40 breaths per minute. A newborn may stop breathing for a short period of 5-10 seconds, and this is considered normal and does not cause concern.

How can I check if shortness of breath is due to lung problems?

 

Signs of pulmonary dyspnea include inability to take a deep breath to fill the lungs with oxygen, feeling tightness in the chest area, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate.

How long is a steam session for children?

 

A single steam session usually lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of medication used and the speed of the steamer.

What solution is used in the steamer?

 

For the dose of Ventolin in the steamer for adults, it is prepared in the same way as for children, but the amount of saline solution with the dose of Ventolin for adults is 2 ml of saline with 0.5 ml of Ventolin, and it can be increased to 1 ml of Ventolin, so that the final total is 2.5 ml.

**Can I use regular water in the steamer?**

 

It is always best to use regular tap water. Using reverse osmosis water will not contribute to heating the water effectively. The facial steamer can be used for cosmetic purposes, and the sauna can be used during facials, massages, and during cleaning.

**Respiratory diseases in children**

If you notice that your child is suffering from any of the abnormal symptoms mentioned above, this may be an indication of the presence of important respiratory diseases, such as:

**Acute or chronic bronchitis** The inflammation causes a dry cough and a cough accompanied by mucus. The cough may occur at night and during the day, and acute cases often begin with symptoms similar to those of the flu, but the cough lasts longer than the common cold. The germs that cause the disease include viruses and bacteria, as viruses that spread during the rainy season, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus, often lead to bronchitis in young children, which may develop into pneumonia. Symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, lethargy, poor food intake, and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, it is preferable to consult a specialist doctor.

**Allergic rhinitis or air intolerance**Allergic rhinitis is a disease that is increasing at the present time, as environmental conditions change frequently. More and more people live in urban areas, which leads to children suffering from symptoms such as runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion, which may come and go. Some individuals may also suffer from itchy eyes, nosebleeds, earache, tinnitus, and recurrent ear infections. You may also have relatives who suffer from similar symptoms. If these symptoms affect your daily life, studies, or sleep, it is necessary to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. Children in this category are advised to avoid exposure to dust, smoke from areas with heavy traffic, PM2.5 dust, as well as smoke from various types of combustion, such as cigarette smoke, incense, and chemical odors. It is preferable to wear a mask when in areas with poor air quality, and to make sure to wash the nose frequently. ** Rhinitis and Sinusitis ** Rhinitis and sinusitis can be caused by infection or allergies, and can be acute or chronic. Causes include viruses, bacteria, and fungi. If you notice thick mucus running down your throat, along with nasal congestion, cough, facial pain, fever, and bad breath that lasts more than one to two weeks or comes and goes, you may need to consider this condition.

**Upper Airway Obstruction**Symptoms of upper airway obstruction occur during sleep, such as snoring, difficulty breathing, difficulty sleeping, and often preferring to sleep on your stomach or with your head elevated. In severe cases, breathing may stop, which canRequires lying down and sleeping. If the condition is very severe, the child may have difficulty sleeping normally, leading to a feeling of not getting enough sleep. Grumpy mood, daytime sleepiness, and decreased learning and concentration may also appear. The causes in children are mainly due to enlarged adenoids and tonsils, obesity, and facial structure abnormalities, in addition to chronic rhinitis and sinusitis. If the blockage persists for a long time, it may negatively affect the child's growth, development, and mood.

** Bronchial allergy or asthma**If you notice that your child has symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing that come and go, especially during exercise or running, or in the evening, or when suffering from a cold, this may be an indication of asthma. Symptoms may improve with the use of bronchodilator medication. Some children have a history of skin, nasal, or food allergies, and some have been exposed to cigarette smoke. If you are not sure, it is best to consult an allergist and respiratory specialist for further examination.

**Foreign body in the respiratory system**Children sometimes tend to insert foreign objects such as beads or clippings into their noses, which can cause these objects to remain for a long time and cause infection. If the trachea is blocked by a foreign body, this can lead to pneumonia, which may recur in the same area. To avoid this, children should be educated not to do dangerous things and to eat safely.

**Lung cancer in children**Lung cancer is rare among children, but it may be linked to genetic factors and the child's family history. The danger of this disease is that its symptoms are similar to many other respiratory diseases in children. Shortness of breath, cough, fever and fatigue may lead the doctor to believe that the condition is due to one of the common respiratory diseases, which may delay the correct diagnosis and lead to giving the child many medications to no avail.

**Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS)**This syndrome is considered one of the serious diseases that affect premature babies, as a result of the incomplete development of their lungs. This leads to a lack of oxygen and breathing difficulties.

The baby can develop this condition as a result of premature birth or the pregnant mother having diseases such as diabetes. Symptoms appear immediately after birth, such as:

- Blue lips or extremities.

- Rapid breathing.

- A clear snoring sound.

This problem may develop to lead to growth disorders, lung scarring, and internal bleeding, making it one of the most serious respiratory diseases affecting children.

**Childhood Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)**Chronic lung diseases appear as a result of damage to the newborn's lungs, such as air trapping, tissue deterioration, or the lungs filling with fluid, which leads to difficulty breathing in the infant. Lung immaturity due to premature birth can be one of the causes, or it may occur as a result of an infection spreading to the baby's lungs after birth. These diseases pose a threat to the lives of infants if they are not treated quickly and effectively.

**Influenza:** Influenza is a disease that affects children at higher rates than adults, as these rates increase during the school season, due to its ease of transmission through droplets resulting from coughing or sneezing, in addition to its transmission through contaminated hands and tools. The most prominent symptoms of influenza are shivering, coughing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fever that may last for three days.

Meningitis: The initial symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of influenza, and it is considered one of the most dangerous diseases in the world, as it affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This disease may lead to death or serious neurological complications, such as deafness and mental retardation, but it can be cured if immediate treatment is received. Meningitis is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through droplets or through the use of the patient's personal tools, such as eating utensils or toothbrushes. The chances of infection increase in crowded places with poor ventilation.

**Measles:** is a viral disease that is common among children, and they often get it after putting their fingers in their mouths or noses, or rubbing their eyes after touching contaminated surfaces, or through exposure to droplets from an infected person. The main symptoms of measles include coughing, runny nose, eye inflammation, sore throat, and fever, in addition to the appearance of a red, spotted rash.

**Rubella:** is a viral disease that is transmitted through respiratory droplets or through direct contact with infected people. Rubella causes a slight increase in body temperature, a rash, and swollen lymph nodes behind the ear, under the jaw, or in the back of the neck. It can also lead to inflammation of the joints, bones, and conjunctiva of the eye.

**Mumps:** Cases of mumps, known as mumps, increase during the winter and spring. The first signs of infection include swelling of the salivary glands, which leads to puffy cheeks, in addition to fever, headache, feeling tired and aching muscles, and loss of appetite. Mumps is spread through droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing, or through contact with objects or surfaces contaminated with the droplets.

Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease that affects children in the winter and spring. It is transmitted through droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. The most prominent sign of the disease is a rash accompanied by intense itching. The initial symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, headache, and fatigue, appear a day or two before the rash, and are similar to the symptoms of other diseases.

What are the symptoms of respiratory infections in children?

 

Most children suffer from a mild to moderate infection at least once a year,Symptoms vary depending on whether the infection is in the upper respiratory tract (such as the nose, mouth, sinuses, and throat) or in the lower respiratory tract (such as the bronchi and lungs).

**Upper respiratory tract** A child with an upper respiratory tract infection shows signs of discomfort, and suffers from symptoms including:

- Runny and stuffy nose, causing the child to breathe through his mouth due to the blockage of the nasal passages.

- Decreased level of activity and movement.

- Loss of appetite.

- Sudden fever that may vary in severity, but in some cases it may reach 41 degrees Celsius.

- Difficulty sleeping and restlessness.

- Severe coughing, especially when the child is lying down or while playing.

**Lower respiratory system**Although lower respiratory tract infections are less common among children compared to upper infections, they are more severe and dangerous, which requires immediate consultation with a doctor to start appropriate treatment and prevent complications.

The symptoms that may appear on the child are manifested in the following points:

- Strong and persistent cough, whether during the night or day.

- A very high temperature, which may reach 41 degrees Celsius, which is a cause for concern, especially in cases such as pneumonia.

- A change in the child's behavior and a decrease in his activity level.

- A significant loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

One of the most prominent symptoms observed in infected children is difficulty breathing, as the child suffers from:

- Rapid breathing.

- Snoring, which parents may think is normal during sleep, but snoring accompanied by rapid and difficult breathing indicates an abnormal problem.

- Hearing a whistling sound from the child's chest, as if he is suffocating.

**Methods for diagnosing respiratory diseases**

**Clinical examination:**Physical symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing are analyzed through a clinical examination.

**Laboratory tests:**Blood tests or throat cultures may be required to determine the type of infection.

**Radiography:**X-rays can be used to assess the condition of the lungs and check for inflammation or fluid accumulations.

There are several ways to prevent respiratory diseases in children:

1. **Follow a healthy diet**: You should eat foods rich in vitamins A, D, and C, which are found in seasonal fruits and citrus fruits.

2. **Vaccinations**: It is necessary to take vaccinations according to the national schedule, in addition to the vaccines available during national campaigns at centers such as Al-Ataa Charitable Clinic.

3. **Drink warm fluids**: It is recommended to drink plenty of warm fluids to ensure healthy blood circulation.

4. **Avoid mixing with infected people**: You should stay away from people with influenza or any other respiratory diseases.

5. **Maintaining personal hygiene**: It is important to wash hands regularly, especially before and after dealing with infected people.

6. **Preventive vaccinations**: Vaccinating children against respiratory diseases such as influenza can reduce the risk of infection.

**7 The importance of personal hygiene:** Children should be taught the importance of washing hands regularly and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

**8 Avoiding irritants:* It is necessary to reduce children's exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, and chemicals that may irritate the respiratory system.

When should parents take their child to the doctor?

 

- Sudden and severe rise in temperature

- Severe crying that lasts for more than 20 minutes at a time

- Blueness of the face, lips, or hands

- Complete refusal to eat or drink

- Persistent cough, especially at night

- Difficulty breathing

**Treatment of respiratory diseases in children**

**Drug therapy:**

- **Antibiotics:** are used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia and sore throat.

- **Antiviral medications:** can be used in severe cases of influenza.

- **Antihistamines:** are used to relieve allergy symptoms.

**Supportive treatment:**

- **Fluids:** It is important to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.

- **Rest:** The child must be provided with the necessary rest to enhance the recovery process.

**Respiratory therapy:**

- **Steam:** Steam is used to moisturize the airways and relieve congestion.

- **Inhalers:** These devices are used to open the airways in cases of asthma.

**Exercises to treat shortness of breath**

**Sitting forward**Sitting comfortably and relaxing helps improve the breathing process, as this position allows more space in the chest cavity for the lungs. This exercise can be performed as follows:

- Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor and your chest tilted slightly forward.

- Gently place your elbows on your knees or hold your chin with your hands, making sure to relax your neck and shoulder muscles. It is important to note that this exercise may not be suitable for people who are obese.

**Standing with arm support** This exercise is an effective exercise for treating shortness of breath, and can be done as follows:

- Stand near a table or any flat, sturdy piece of furniture.

- Rest your elbows or hands on the table or furniture, keeping your neck relaxed.

- Rest your head on your forearms and relax your shoulders.

**Breathing with pursed lips** This exercise helps increase the amount of oxygen in the body and slows down the rate of breathing. It can be done as follows:

- Sit upright on a chair with your shoulders relaxed.

- Purse your lips, leaving a small gap between them as if you were blowing out candles.

- Take a deep breath through your nose.

- Exhale slowly.

Take a deep breath through your nose.

Then gently exhale through your pursed lips as you count to four.

Repeat these steps several times.

Move your shoulders in a circular motion.

**Shoulder Relaxation Exercise**

1. Sit comfortably with your arms at your sides.

2. Move your shoulders forward, then up, then back, and finally down, in a circular motion. It is preferable to make the circles as large as possible and to move the shoulders together at the same timeTime.

3. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

**Diaphragm Strengthening Exercise**

This exercise can be performed by following these steps:

1. Lie down with your knees bent or sit in a comfortable chair.

2. Place one hand on your chest and the other below your rib cage.

3. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, noticing your abdomen rising while your chest remains firm and relaxed.

4. Exhale slowly while closing your lips and gently pulling your abdomen towards your spine, taking care not to move the hand placed on your chest.

5. Continue performing the exercise for 5 to 10 minutes, and repeat it three or four times a day.

**Shoulder Squeeze Exercise**

This exercise, which is part of the exercises for treating shortness of breath, helps expand the chest wall and move the ribs, which facilitates the process of deep breathing.

**How ​​to do the exercise:**

 

1. Sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the bed.

2. Leave your arms extended to the sides with your palms facing up.

3. Gently press the shoulder blades back and down, watching the chest expand.

4. Inhale through your nose and then exhale with your lips closed.

5. Repeat the exercise 5 times, taking a relaxation period of one to two seconds between each repetition.

**Pectoral muscle stretching exercise by raising your hands**This exercise is considered an effective exercise for treating shortness of breath, as it helps stretch the chest muscles and facilitates the process of air entering and exiting the lungs, which increases the amount of oxygen available in the body.

**Steps to perform the exercise to treat shortness of breath:**

 

1. Sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the bed.

2. Gently press the shoulder blades back and down.

3. Interlock your hands together and slowly raise them above your head, making sure to feel comfortable while taking a deep breath.

4. Slowly lower your hands while exhaling.

5. Repeat the exercise 5 times, taking a relaxation period of one or two seconds each time.

**Sleep in a comfortable position**

People with sleep apnea have difficulty breathing, and their breathing may stop for short periods during their sleep, causing them discomfort and frequent awakenings.

It is recommended to lie on the side while sleeping, with a pillow between the legs and raising the head using pillows to keep the back straight. You can also lie on your back with the head raised with a pillow, and bend the knees with a pillow under them.

These positions help relax the body and airways, which facilitates the breathing process.